Appendix 1 – Frequently Asked Questions

The learning program can include a wide range of resources and activities. Activities inside and outside of the home as part of general family life can be included in the program by recording them in advance or as they occur. Examples of such learning activities include visits to museums and galleries, sporting activities, creative activities (music lessons, art lessons, drama groups) and live performances.

Yes. Parents may provide learning activities for their children in multi-age groups, using common themes or topics; parents may adjust the pace and/or content of the educational program in response to the identified learning needs and intended learning outcomes of their children. Activities such as community events, visits to the library, travel to local regions, trips to museums and participation in sporting groups may all contribute to a child’s educational program.

Many home schooling families come together to share resources, provide support, and contribute particular talents. The Act provides that home schooling means schooling in the home. This does not preclude parents from planning group learning activities as an aspect of the educational program that is primarily delivered in the child’s home.

Yes. A unit of work may be programmed around a particular theme or topic selecting outcomes and/or content from across learning areas. Parents can also use the Stage statements to assist in developing and implementing an educational program for their children.

No. Each family will vary in the specific types of records to be kept. A diary is one way of keeping a record of how the educational program has been implemented. A timetable is one way of planning learning times for different subjects. Parents may also use other approaches to planning and record keeping. Some of the home schooling support groups can provide suggestions for planning and keeping records – see the list available under ‘Support information’ on the NESA website.

Yes. Individual families may arrange work placements or work experience to supplement the child’s educational program. Any arrangements are between the parent and other party.

Some home schooling support groups, for example the Home Education Association, may assist parents in arranging insurance if required for work placement experience.

Complaints about the way an application was assessed may be raised with NESA. Information about the NESA Complaint Handling Policy is published on the NESA website.